Spondon, the amateur musical group in Canberra was formed in 2006 by a group of Bangladeshi Australians residing in Canberra-Australia who love music and want to have some fun and maintain the connection with the rich Bangladeshi culture through music. The prime reason why Spondon was formed was to keep the practice of bangla songs alive among the hundreds of expatriate Bangladeshies in Canberra as well as provide an opportunity for our future Bangladeshi-Australian generation to have this cultural connection.To achieve this goal the members started to meet together fortnightly to rehearse. This also has provided the members with a nice opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends over weekends. The members take rotation to host the fortnightly rehearsal at their respective places. During this fortnightly rehearsal the members do some Rewaj (practicing the very basic of SA re ga ma) and practice songs (chorus, solo, duet) of different genres from the list of selected songs prepared by the members together. Within a very short period of time, the name Spondon spread out all over Canberra and music lovers from all corners started expressing their interest to join the group. Currently Spondon has 18 active members. Two members have left Canberra because of other obligations. Spondon started its journey with its members Sakiba Rahman, Shamsul Huda, Rumana Jamaly, Kamal uddin, Tarek Safa, Iffat Tabassum, Salma Mir , Khondoker Yusuf, Iskandar Chowdhury Ivan, Murad Hossain, Suraiya Nargis, Arifur Rahman, Luna Purification, Safina Ahmed, Zahidul Huq, Shafquat Zaman Khan Rupam, Afreen Huq Alo, Sharifur Rahman, Mehjabin As-Sayeed Shayma and Radium Mardia. Spondon also greatly appreciates the unending support and patience of the spouses and children of members whose active support, dedication and contribution helps sustain the purpose of the group.

Any music lover can join Spondon provided that they actively participate the practice sessions or rehearsal (circumstances permitting). One of the reasons the group has been successful was because of strong belief in “mutual respect” by each and every member of the team and a dynamic / consultative form of organizational structure and leadership. The group hasn’t been registered as yet but has a plan in future to be registered with the ACT government.

Spondon’s is an informal musical group. Initially its objective was to spend some quality time with music lovers, to practice some songs as well as doing some regular “rewaj” for better vocal tuning. Within a short period of time Spondon’s members were confident and enthusiastic enough to organize a concert in Canberra so that the Bengali community in Canberra could be introduced to local talents and enjoy different types of Bangla music. The group members prefer to play popular Tagore songs, Nazrul Songs, folk songs and all time hit Bengali modern and movie songs.

Spondon’s first show

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Spondon’s debut live performance was held in Canberra to raise funds for flood affected people in Bangladesh. The tickets were sold out very quickly, and the group performed in front of an audience of 170. The two and half hour show was a huge hit amongst the Canberra Bangladeshi community. Spondon played popular Tagore songs, Nazrul songs and hit modern Bengali and movie songs with traditional harmonium and tabla as well as on modern karaoke, both of which were warmly received by the audience. Spondon was the first in Canberra to start playing Bangla Karaoke. People embraced this novelty with open arms and Spondon had no problem in winning the crowd's heart. After the show, Spondon has so far largely received constructive and positive feedback from the crowd. The group believes that novelty never goes uncriticized and that criticism should be viewed positively as it proves that the debut program has certainly created an impact.

Spondon has a plan to present musical programs at least once a year in Canberra and will participate in other musical events if invited.

If you would like to know more about Spondon or would like to join, please feel free to contact any of the local Spondon members.

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